Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is first and foremost bred as a companion dog. Despite the name "Japanese" the breed is native to the land of China. It was later developed in Japan and introduced to Europe in 1700. It became a favorite of Japanese nobility, and was often offered as a royal gift to diplomats and to foreigners who rendered some outstanding service to Japan. In 1853 a pair was given as a gift to Queen Victoria from Commodore Perry when he returned from his historic mission to open Japan to world trade

It is a little spaniel whose only bred purpose is to serve man as a companion. The Chin has a large broad head, large wide-set eyes, and a short broad muzzle. The ears are small, V-shaped, wide apart, and set slightly below the crown of the skull, and well covered with hair. The forehead is quite round. The stop is deep, and the muzzle is short and broad. The nose is wide with an extremely short nasal canal. The eyes are protruding, set wide apart, large, round, and dark in color. The bite is slightly undershot. The body height and length are about the same. The front legs are straight, and fine boned, with the elbows set close to the body. The tail is set high and carried arched up over the back hanging to either side of the dog with feathering.

Size

Toy

Colour

The coat is white with coloured patches. The patches are often black, but can also be red, lemon, orange, sable, black and white with tan points, or brindle.

Coat Length

Long

Age Expectancy

8 - 10 Years

Weight/Height Range

The dog stands at 24 - 28cms and the bitch at 18 - 24cms. Their weight depends on the size and build of the dog or bitch but is normally around 2 - 7kgs.

Ailments

Like many short-faced breeds, the Japanese Chin tends to wheeze and snore. They are prone to eye and respiratory problems and heat prostration.

Japanese Chins have a high and sometimes delicate metabolism, so it is better to give two to three small meals per day rather than one large one. They can eat dry food as well as tinned food and seem to enjoy crunching up the hard biscuits - a practice, which is good for their teeth

The Japanese Chin is a charming, lively, and happy animal. Pleasant, loving and intelligent. Affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. This breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but is known to be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations, socialise this dog well. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. They are good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Chin has a mind of its own and likes to be the centre of attention.

Intelligence

Chins are very intelligent little dogs, they can be taught to perform tricks.

Energy

Medium

Suitability for Children

Low

Tendency to Bark

Low

Overall Exercise Requirement

Chin do not require a great deal of exercise, however they do need to be taken on a daily walk. They will enjoy the opportunity to play in an open yard.

A few minutes each day will keep the coat looking beautiful. Comb out tangles and brush lightly, lifting the hair to leave it standing out a little. Clean the eyes every day and check the ears regularly for any signs of infection.

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